Prism Health Networks

EAP Monthly Newsletter

Summer 2004, Volume 1, Issue 7

Summer Safety

Summer is finally here. This is a season most of us look forward to all year round. Did you know however that the summer season is potentially dangerous? Children, the elderly and even our pets are especially vulnerable to summer traumas. Some things to keep in mind:

For sun protection, the best line of defense is covering up. Wear a hat and sunglasses (sunglasses should block 99 to 100% of UVA). Consider washing some of your outdoor clothing with RIT SPF additive. This washer additive can add a SPF of 30 to many outdoor garments.

For babies under 6 months: Avoid sun exposure and dress infants in lightweight clothing with long pants and sleeves. While sunscreen is not recommended for children under 6 months, your pediatrician may approve applying a small amount to the infants face and hands when necessary.

For young children: Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, or look for products that are sun blocks. Remember that even cloudy days require sunscreen and that frequent applications are necessary.

Heat stress is serious business. Avoid intense exercise when the heat and humidity are high. The elderly and children are especially sensitive to heat. Hydration is very important and water or sports drinks should be consumed frequently.

Bug Safety: Scented soaps, perfumes, hairspray and bright flowered clothing all can attract bugs.

Avoid areas where bugs congregate such as stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and gardens with lots of blooming flowers. Keeping shoes on while walking on grassy surfaces helps prevent bee stings. DEET is a powerful insect repellent but again, speak to your Dr. or Pediatrician regarding the safety of applying DEET to children, adults and the elderly, or go to www.deet.com for more detailed information.

Pet Safety: Provide plenty of clean drinking water and shade to outside pets and be careful with exercise during the hot summer months. Remember, your pet wears it’s coat all year long.

NEVER leave your pet or child inside a car even for a moment. It gets much warmer in a car even on days that don’t seem too warm outside of a car.

Some other areas of concern for safety are pools, boats, playgrounds, bicycles, skateboards and scooters, travel lawnmowers and fireworks. The American Academy of Pediatrics has tips on these areas and more at www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/summertips.htm

True Costs of Stress:

Lost revenue - over $150 billion is lost annually in reduced productivity,
absenteeism, poor decision making and related illnesses.

Physical Illness - 75% to 90% of all doctor visits are stress related.
Fatigue - 33% of Americans report stress related insomnia.

Anxiety - Over 15% of doctors’ patients seek treatment for anxiety.
Mental Illness - 1 out of 4 American workers suffer a mental health
problem rooted in stress.
Heart Disease - $117 billion in yearly costs of treatment and lost
productivity affecting 13.5 million people.

Home Alone

Summer time can be especially stressful for working parents who may find their children home alone for part of the day. A question that may arise is, what is the appropriate age to leave a child alone? The NYS Office of Child and Family Services offers some guidelines, but few definitive answers. Keep in mind that all children develop individually, and while everyone is aware that they should never leave an infant or toddler alone, some teenagers are also too irresponsible or may have special needs that limit their ability to stay safe. Some suggestions include:

Consider the individual child. How is their maturity?

Do they understand what they are allowed to do and not do?

Do they understand your expectations?

Establish a regular schedule of check-in calls.

Establish rules regarding friends in the house.

Create and teach children how to use a first aid kit.

Establish a list of emergency phone contacts.

Ensure that there is no access to alcohol or prescription medication.

More information and additional resources can be found by contacting the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect at 1-800-394-3366 or visiting them on the web at nccanch.acf.hhs.gov/

Workplace Stress Busters

Refuel - snack on fiber rich munchies such as bananas, carrots or whole wheat breads. Fiber slows the release of blood sugar and help fight energy dips.

Take a moment to Breath - Spend 5 minutes everyday inhaling and exhaling deeply.

Take a mind vacation - Imaging a peaceful scene, let yourself relax there.

Move Around - take a break away from your desk, walk outside if you can.

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